4 Reasons To Make ‘The Alienist’ Your Next Netflix Binge

Sarah and Laszlo have a complicated relationship. Photo: The AlienistSource:Whimn

So guys, it turns out I’m a bit of a TV junkie. From Legion to Jane The Virgin and every documentary in between, I watch all of the shows and follow all of the seasons (yes ok sometimes I’m slightly behind) and I genuinely love nothing more than a solid session of couch time and red wine.

Sometimes there are shows that stand out (hello Westworld and The Handmaid's Tale), but most of the time, life is just filled by those who play along in the background while I’m busy doing other things (shout out to The Office and Seinfeld). Yet this past week has gifted me one show I’m unable to shake. The Alienist.

Before I lose you, no - it’s not about aliens.

Fireside space was at a premium in the 19th century we imagine. Photo: 'The Alienist'Source:Whimn

In the 19th century people who suffered from mental illness were thought to be ‘alienated’ from their true natures - hence the name. Basically our Alienist, Dr Laszlo Kreizler, is a psychiatrist trying to stop those with mental ill health from hurting others. And themselves.

Sounds intriguing right? If you’re one of the people that just answered ‘unsure’, read on while I sell this bad boy to you.

1. The Hotness

Imagine if Benedict Cumberbatch was playing Sherlock in a 19th century three-piece suit and top hat. Now imagine Benedict somehow morphed into Luke Evans and that suit got a whole lot tighter. I know that isn’t exactly the main selling point in a show about late 1800's serial killers but we had to start strong. All of the male leads are super attractive (Daniel Brühl, Luke Evans, Douglas Smith), there's a tense love triangle... and Netflix has thrown in plenty of sex scenes for good measure (‘cause we all know that’s what they’re best at).

2. The Feminism (Sort Of)

Ok so with only one female lead character you’re probably not thinking ‘strong feminist example’. But that one female character runs rings around the guys right from the very start - even outsmarting the Alienist himself a couple of times. Sarah (Dakota Fanning) can do it all. She’s the first female allowed to work for the New York Police Department; she is miles ahead of the others when it comes to putting pieces of the investigation together; she’s got ZERO interest in looking for a man to take care of her and; she never once gags or cries in the presence of a mutilated dead body. #girlboss

3. The Plot

In a twist on the current crime wave we’ve been riding after Making A Murderer and Mindhunter, this series takes place way back in a time where DNA testing, fingerprints and psychiatric assessments had no credibility whatsoever. The team are working to solve the murders of young male prostitutes in New York City - before the concept of a serial killer ever existed. There are twists and turns and our suspect changes multiple times as more puzzle pieces drop into place. This might be in totally poor taste to say, but it is also refreshing to solely have males as the victims of these crimes, bucking the usual Jack The Ripper 'helpless female prostitute' trope - refer to point two. (Disclaimer: There are a few super gory scenes but if you can handle GoT or Botched you can handle this.)

Sarah out in front - where she remains for most of the season. Photo: 'The Alienist'Source:Whimn

4. The Outfits

The wardrobe team on this show deserve three thumbs up. The costuming is almost a character in itself, with every player dressed impeccably in the silhouettes of the era. Sarah’s puffy shoulders speak volumes about her ability to stand side by side with the men, while Laszlo and John’s impeccably starched white collars are almost hypnotic throughout. Throw in pocket watches, felt hats and trendy pince-nez glasses and we’ve got a full on 19th century costume party up in here.

So if any of that appealed to you - go on, dim the lights, fill your glass and prepare to be transported.

The Alienist - Trailer2:29

This psychological thriller drama is set in 1896, when a series of gruesome murders of boy prostitutes has gripped the city. Newly appointed top cop Teddy Roosevelt calls upon Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a criminal psychologist -- aka alienist -- and newspaper illustrator John Moore to conduct the investigation in secret. Joining them in the probe is Sara Howard, a headstrong secretary at Police Headquarters. Starring Daniel Bruhl, Luke Evans and Dakota Fanning